Outside of Anne Frank's House
The leaning buildings
In a park
Skinniest house in Amsterdam
which is next to the widest bridge in Amsterdam...
May 23, 2009
Amsterdam
For the final trip on my spring break. Me, Amy, Will, Kristin and Toni headed up to Amsterdam for a few days after being in Vienna for one night. We were all so sick of travelling that we really didn't want to do much at all, not too mention we were all realizing how large of a dent we had put into our savings. So, for the most part we toured Amsterdam on our own and just hung out around the city. We did go to the Anne Frank tour, which I made a video at the end of the tour but the system there never emailed it to me so yea, no video... good story I know.
Outside of Anne Frank's House
The leaning buildings
In a park
Skinniest house in Amsterdam
which is next to the widest bridge in Amsterdam...
Outside of Anne Frank's House
The leaning buildings
In a park
Skinniest house in Amsterdam
which is next to the widest bridge in Amsterdam...
Napoli
Napoli was the last stop on our Greece/Italy trip and the pizza here was amazing, as expected because apparently it's the birthplace of the pizza. I think I had a pizza it least once a day while here. Napoli wasn't exactly the nicest city, but it was where we were flying back home from.
Oh, actually we had a rather interesting story while in the airport. So, we waiting in line at the security checkpoint and we come across some suspicious luggage that had been left behind and no one was looking at it or picking it up. Then when we're almost about to go through, the power went out. The lights had been flickering while in line, but no the power actually went out for a solid minute or two in an aiport! It was the one of the most ridiculous things that I had ever seen. None of us could believe that a power outage would/could actually happen at an airport, but in Napoli I guess it can. This combined with the suspicious luggage that someone had planted seemed quite suspicious and some members of our group got quite nervous. It really was just the icing on the cake to our Napoli trip... haha it was quite the city.
Oh and I did go to Pompeii, but I forgot my camera so I guess I'll steal some photos from my friends and share them later.
Oh, actually we had a rather interesting story while in the airport. So, we waiting in line at the security checkpoint and we come across some suspicious luggage that had been left behind and no one was looking at it or picking it up. Then when we're almost about to go through, the power went out. The lights had been flickering while in line, but no the power actually went out for a solid minute or two in an aiport! It was the one of the most ridiculous things that I had ever seen. None of us could believe that a power outage would/could actually happen at an airport, but in Napoli I guess it can. This combined with the suspicious luggage that someone had planted seemed quite suspicious and some members of our group got quite nervous. It really was just the icing on the cake to our Napoli trip... haha it was quite the city.
Oh and I did go to Pompeii, but I forgot my camera so I guess I'll steal some photos from my friends and share them later.
Capri
We took a ferry to Capri for the day. It was such a cool island and we (Amy, Julie, Will and I) all enjoyed the day on the island. Although I thought the Amalfi coast was better, Capri was extremely beautiful.
Capri
Blue Grotto
I stupidly left the flash on in the actual Grotto so the picture inside didn't come out that great... sorry.
Statue in Ana Capri
Street in Capri
Leaving Capri
Capri
Blue Grotto
I stupidly left the flash on in the actual Grotto so the picture inside didn't come out that great... sorry.
Statue in Ana Capri
Street in Capri
Leaving Capri
Amalfi Coast
We rented a car...
Positano
Amalfi
Outside of Salerno
We rented a car for the day... unfortunately the weather wasn't nice enough to really use the convertible so we felt a little stupid riding around in this tiny little car, but we still had fun. Although I've loved all of my travels here, this one was definitely one of the most beautiful and inspiring places I've visited. It was so cool, and you definitely couldn't experience it properly without renting a car or getting a car hire.
Sorrento
Dates: April 16th – 19th
Sorrento was absolutely beautiful. Our hostel, Seven Hostel was a really nice hostel in Sant’Agnello, Italy. It is about a 30 to 45 minute walk from Sorrento, but it wasn’t bad at all. The hostel was really nice and inexpensively priced. We were there for a few days so the walks weren’t that bad, plus one day we went to Capri and the other day we drove around the Amalfi coast.
Outdoor lounge at hostel
Sorrento was a nice little town and of course had great food! Everyone had a really good time and thoroughly enjoyed this leg of the trip, even though we were all getting a little bit tired of traveling... we were going on our 3rd week of our trips and were living out of a carry-on sized suitcase.
Easter Tree in Sorrento
On the walk to Sorrento
View on the walk… yes it’s dorky w/e
Last night in Sant’Agnello
More Pictures: Click Here
Sorrento was absolutely beautiful. Our hostel, Seven Hostel was a really nice hostel in Sant’Agnello, Italy. It is about a 30 to 45 minute walk from Sorrento, but it wasn’t bad at all. The hostel was really nice and inexpensively priced. We were there for a few days so the walks weren’t that bad, plus one day we went to Capri and the other day we drove around the Amalfi coast.
Outdoor lounge at hostel
Sorrento was a nice little town and of course had great food! Everyone had a really good time and thoroughly enjoyed this leg of the trip, even though we were all getting a little bit tired of traveling... we were going on our 3rd week of our trips and were living out of a carry-on sized suitcase.
Easter Tree in Sorrento
On the walk to Sorrento
View on the walk… yes it’s dorky w/e
Last night in Sant’Agnello
More Pictures: Click Here
May 14, 2009
From Bari to Sorrento
Date: April 16
We arrived in Bari, Italy early in the morning and had to walk to the car rental place to get a car we could take to Sorrento. It was just as expensive and took much longer to travel by bus or train so we figured it would be more fun to rent a car. So, we did. However, when we got to where the car rental place was supposed to be... it had closed 2 months before! Luckily, a woman at a Best Western was able to direct us to another car rental agency near the train stations. We had to walk for probably another 20 to 30 minutes to get to this one. But, we finally did and go the car to drive to Sorrento.
Of course, the only car they had available was a manual. And being the only person who was 21, I was the only one who could drive the car. I've learned that I've gotten better at driving stick than I used to be, so it wasn't a problem. Smartest thing we did though, was renting a GPS. We would've been in trouble without it.
It took us about 3 hours to drive across Italy, and everything went quite smoothly. The best part of the drive was between Napoli and Sorrento. The countryside was absolutely amazing, and the tiny roads snaked along the cliffs right next to the water. It was an extremely cool place to see. Driving was definitely a better choice than taking a train... I'll explain later about the trains in Italy.
Anyways, we found our hotel fine and returned the car later in the day. It was definitely a good end to a long trip from Greece.
We arrived in Bari, Italy early in the morning and had to walk to the car rental place to get a car we could take to Sorrento. It was just as expensive and took much longer to travel by bus or train so we figured it would be more fun to rent a car. So, we did. However, when we got to where the car rental place was supposed to be... it had closed 2 months before! Luckily, a woman at a Best Western was able to direct us to another car rental agency near the train stations. We had to walk for probably another 20 to 30 minutes to get to this one. But, we finally did and go the car to drive to Sorrento.
Of course, the only car they had available was a manual. And being the only person who was 21, I was the only one who could drive the car. I've learned that I've gotten better at driving stick than I used to be, so it wasn't a problem. Smartest thing we did though, was renting a GPS. We would've been in trouble without it.
It took us about 3 hours to drive across Italy, and everything went quite smoothly. The best part of the drive was between Napoli and Sorrento. The countryside was absolutely amazing, and the tiny roads snaked along the cliffs right next to the water. It was an extremely cool place to see. Driving was definitely a better choice than taking a train... I'll explain later about the trains in Italy.
Anyways, we found our hotel fine and returned the car later in the day. It was definitely a good end to a long trip from Greece.
May 12, 2009
Back to Athens...
Date: April 14 - April 15
On the 14th we took a ferry back to Athens. Thankfully, this one was much faster and we arrived in Athens on time. We were all pretty tired from the day and didn't really do that much in Athens on the evening on the 14th.
The following morning we had to figure out how to get to Patra, the port town where our ferry to Italy was leaving at around 6 pm. We found the people at the Athens Backpackers Hostel were very helpful and told us exactly where we needed to go. It was a little confusing as it involved using the metro, then walking to find a bus stop that was at a random spot on a street and taking that bus to another bus station. To top it all off, it was just starting to mist a little bit when we left our hostel, luggage in tow.
We got on the metro and got off at the right stop, but had to ask a few times about where the bus we were looking for would stop. Eventually, we figured it out and there happened to be a bus waiting there when we found it. We crammed into the overflowing bus, hoping we were headed in the right direction and that we would know the stop when we found it.
It just so happened that bus station we were looking for was the very last stop, as we had suspected. We got our tickets and searched for the next bus, hoping it would deliver us in Patra (on time). The bus ride was actually quite nice, and brought us to the bus station with about an hour to spare.
Of course, we were starving and got some food before heading for our ferry. Oh, and this time we did have the right confirmation numbers for our ferry so that worked out quite well. We quickly ate our last meal of souvlaki and then headed for our ferry.
15 hours later, at 8 am the following day we would be arriving in Bari, Italy.
On the 14th we took a ferry back to Athens. Thankfully, this one was much faster and we arrived in Athens on time. We were all pretty tired from the day and didn't really do that much in Athens on the evening on the 14th.
The following morning we had to figure out how to get to Patra, the port town where our ferry to Italy was leaving at around 6 pm. We found the people at the Athens Backpackers Hostel were very helpful and told us exactly where we needed to go. It was a little confusing as it involved using the metro, then walking to find a bus stop that was at a random spot on a street and taking that bus to another bus station. To top it all off, it was just starting to mist a little bit when we left our hostel, luggage in tow.
We got on the metro and got off at the right stop, but had to ask a few times about where the bus we were looking for would stop. Eventually, we figured it out and there happened to be a bus waiting there when we found it. We crammed into the overflowing bus, hoping we were headed in the right direction and that we would know the stop when we found it.
It just so happened that bus station we were looking for was the very last stop, as we had suspected. We got our tickets and searched for the next bus, hoping it would deliver us in Patra (on time). The bus ride was actually quite nice, and brought us to the bus station with about an hour to spare.
Of course, we were starving and got some food before heading for our ferry. Oh, and this time we did have the right confirmation numbers for our ferry so that worked out quite well. We quickly ate our last meal of souvlaki and then headed for our ferry.
15 hours later, at 8 am the following day we would be arriving in Bari, Italy.
May 6, 2009
Ios
Dates: April 11 – April 14
Ios is a small island just north of Santorini. We arrived about two weeks early for the season so the island was actually quite quiet. This was fun as we had a lot of fun doing our own exploring of the island and entertained ourselves with the limited services. When I say the island was quiet, I mean that there were about 10 other people staying at our “hostel” which was essentially like a resort and there was only one place to sit down and eat lunch in the town. Oh and there were two bars open, which we didn’t go to because the walk back to our hostel involved a rather large and steep hill and took about 30 minutes. Let’s just say with the tiny roads, scary drivers and lack of lit pathways would not have made for a fun trip late at night.
Our beach at the hostel
The pool
Like I said, it was a pretty sweet place for a “hostel”.
Since the island was pretty small, we rented ATV’s one day and rode around the island. It was an absolute blast! The island was such a cool place, and zipping around on the ATV’s only added to the fun. Uh, yeah that sounded quite dorky, but whatever, we all had a great time haha. The island had tons of tiny churches scattered around the whole island. We also checked out another popular beach, which was unfortunately deserted and nothing was open because it was too early in the season. And then I got the bright idea of taking a dirt road back to our hostel. It was actually kinda fun, but definitely not the smoothest terrain I’ve come across. (More pictures from this can be seen in the blog post below.)
Homer's Grave
The other days, we spent time on the beach or by the pool, or in the town. The weather was exactly “hot”, but one day was definitely a good day to sit out at the beach. Otherwise, it was a little windy, but still was a great place to be during our spring break trip.
Church in the town
Where we ate lunch every day (it was only 5 to 7 euros so it was cheap and we had no other options)
Ios is a small island just north of Santorini. We arrived about two weeks early for the season so the island was actually quite quiet. This was fun as we had a lot of fun doing our own exploring of the island and entertained ourselves with the limited services. When I say the island was quiet, I mean that there were about 10 other people staying at our “hostel” which was essentially like a resort and there was only one place to sit down and eat lunch in the town. Oh and there were two bars open, which we didn’t go to because the walk back to our hostel involved a rather large and steep hill and took about 30 minutes. Let’s just say with the tiny roads, scary drivers and lack of lit pathways would not have made for a fun trip late at night.
Our beach at the hostel
The pool
Like I said, it was a pretty sweet place for a “hostel”.
Since the island was pretty small, we rented ATV’s one day and rode around the island. It was an absolute blast! The island was such a cool place, and zipping around on the ATV’s only added to the fun. Uh, yeah that sounded quite dorky, but whatever, we all had a great time haha. The island had tons of tiny churches scattered around the whole island. We also checked out another popular beach, which was unfortunately deserted and nothing was open because it was too early in the season. And then I got the bright idea of taking a dirt road back to our hostel. It was actually kinda fun, but definitely not the smoothest terrain I’ve come across. (More pictures from this can be seen in the blog post below.)
Homer's Grave
The other days, we spent time on the beach or by the pool, or in the town. The weather was exactly “hot”, but one day was definitely a good day to sit out at the beach. Otherwise, it was a little windy, but still was a great place to be during our spring break trip.
Church in the town
Where we ate lunch every day (it was only 5 to 7 euros so it was cheap and we had no other options)
Ferry to Ios
Date: April 10
We could pick up our tickets about an hour before the ferry was leaving, but due to the construction on the subway we had about 45 minutes before it was leaving when we finally found the office to pick up our tickets. Apparently since the company had switched our tickets for our return ferry they gave us a completely new reference number, and we needed the number for the boat company and not the booking company… yea, a little confusing. So, the man said that we needed to buy new tickets; however, this was not happening! He didn’t seem too bothered by the fact that we had already paid for tickets and needed to pick them up, and he continued to talk to customers that were further back in line. This only added to the level of frustration everyone was feeling that day and added to the frenzy we were already in.
Luckily, another man came by and went into the office and asked how to help us. Fortunately, he let me into the office to access my email and read off the new confirmation number. This was correct and we received our tickets with about 15 minutes left before departure. Our ferry wasn’t far and we loaded up climbed to the deck where our inexpensive tickets had us sitting. Finally, it started getting cold out so we decided to go in to the seating area and grabbed a few tables with semicircular booths to nap on. Our 5/6 hour ferry turned into a 9 hour, excruciating wait. We arrived in Ios a few hours late, but luckily our transportation to our hostel was there. And by transportation, I mean a “surfer bro” with a dumpy van driving like a madman in the middle of the night on the tiny, winding island roads. Ahh, it was an experience.
And we still managed to look happy on the ferry:
We could pick up our tickets about an hour before the ferry was leaving, but due to the construction on the subway we had about 45 minutes before it was leaving when we finally found the office to pick up our tickets. Apparently since the company had switched our tickets for our return ferry they gave us a completely new reference number, and we needed the number for the boat company and not the booking company… yea, a little confusing. So, the man said that we needed to buy new tickets; however, this was not happening! He didn’t seem too bothered by the fact that we had already paid for tickets and needed to pick them up, and he continued to talk to customers that were further back in line. This only added to the level of frustration everyone was feeling that day and added to the frenzy we were already in.
Luckily, another man came by and went into the office and asked how to help us. Fortunately, he let me into the office to access my email and read off the new confirmation number. This was correct and we received our tickets with about 15 minutes left before departure. Our ferry wasn’t far and we loaded up climbed to the deck where our inexpensive tickets had us sitting. Finally, it started getting cold out so we decided to go in to the seating area and grabbed a few tables with semicircular booths to nap on. Our 5/6 hour ferry turned into a 9 hour, excruciating wait. We arrived in Ios a few hours late, but luckily our transportation to our hostel was there. And by transportation, I mean a “surfer bro” with a dumpy van driving like a madman in the middle of the night on the tiny, winding island roads. Ahh, it was an experience.
And we still managed to look happy on the ferry:
May 5, 2009
Athens: Day 2 & 3
Dates: April 9 - 10
After hiking up the hill, we went back to our hostel and eventually went over to an area (as mentioned by our tour guide) where college kids hang out to try a Greek drink. They called it “warm yellow stuff”… yes I know, they’re quite creative. But it basically is wine that is distilled twice, making it quite strong so it is then mixed with honey and some spices and heated up. You get a small pitcher for about 5 Euros to split amongst 4 or 5 people. Then you pour it into shot glasses to sip, and I must admit it was very tasty. It was a fun environment and I wish we were able to spend a little bit more time experiencing the life of real Greek students.
The following morning, we woke up early to head up to the Acropolis. It was pretty packed up there, but the weather was great and the location, unbeatable. It was really cool imagining what it would have look like before things got destroyed. Apparently, this is one of the last times you’ll be able to see the Acropolis before they put up framing around the base of the Acropolis to repair it. According to our tour guide, it would probably be 30 years or so before the construction would be finished. I guess the Greeks don’t really like to work that fast?
The Parthenon
On top of the Acropolis (Parthenon left & Temple of Athena right)
Temple of Haphaestus
After that we had to head towards Piraeus, which is the large port right next to Athens. From here, we were heading towards the Greek island of Ios. Let’s just say the Greek metro system is not something that would be “up to snuff” in the United States. The rickety subway took us to the port, where we ran into a bit of an issue...
After hiking up the hill, we went back to our hostel and eventually went over to an area (as mentioned by our tour guide) where college kids hang out to try a Greek drink. They called it “warm yellow stuff”… yes I know, they’re quite creative. But it basically is wine that is distilled twice, making it quite strong so it is then mixed with honey and some spices and heated up. You get a small pitcher for about 5 Euros to split amongst 4 or 5 people. Then you pour it into shot glasses to sip, and I must admit it was very tasty. It was a fun environment and I wish we were able to spend a little bit more time experiencing the life of real Greek students.
The following morning, we woke up early to head up to the Acropolis. It was pretty packed up there, but the weather was great and the location, unbeatable. It was really cool imagining what it would have look like before things got destroyed. Apparently, this is one of the last times you’ll be able to see the Acropolis before they put up framing around the base of the Acropolis to repair it. According to our tour guide, it would probably be 30 years or so before the construction would be finished. I guess the Greeks don’t really like to work that fast?
The Parthenon
On top of the Acropolis (Parthenon left & Temple of Athena right)
Temple of Haphaestus
After that we had to head towards Piraeus, which is the large port right next to Athens. From here, we were heading towards the Greek island of Ios. Let’s just say the Greek metro system is not something that would be “up to snuff” in the United States. The rickety subway took us to the port, where we ran into a bit of an issue...
May 3, 2009
Athens: Day 1 & 2
Dates: April 8 – April 9
On Wednesday morning, I got up and went to the airport. I was headed to Athens, while my mom and Earl were headed back home. I had no idea how much traveling was ahead of me. It definitely was such an amazing trip, yet quite tiring.
Anyways, me, Julie, Amy, Will, Toni and Kristin arrived in Athens in the afternoon and after an inexplicably long bus ride and a short walk (suitcases in tow) we found our hostel. Our hostel was in view of the Acropolis and it only took a 5 minute walk to get there, which was absolutely great. The first night we went to hang out on the rocks (called Areopagus) near the Acropolis.
The following morning we took a tour through our hostel, which took us all around the city. We went:
back by the rocks we hung out on the previous night
Greek parliament & tomb of the Unknown Soldier
through a park
And the Olympic Stadium
After our tour we hiked up Lycabettus Hill, which was quite the hike and unfortunately my camera died, but I still got a photo from friends.
On Wednesday morning, I got up and went to the airport. I was headed to Athens, while my mom and Earl were headed back home. I had no idea how much traveling was ahead of me. It definitely was such an amazing trip, yet quite tiring.
Anyways, me, Julie, Amy, Will, Toni and Kristin arrived in Athens in the afternoon and after an inexplicably long bus ride and a short walk (suitcases in tow) we found our hostel. Our hostel was in view of the Acropolis and it only took a 5 minute walk to get there, which was absolutely great. The first night we went to hang out on the rocks (called Areopagus) near the Acropolis.
The following morning we took a tour through our hostel, which took us all around the city. We went:
back by the rocks we hung out on the previous night
Greek parliament & tomb of the Unknown Soldier
through a park
And the Olympic Stadium
After our tour we hiked up Lycabettus Hill, which was quite the hike and unfortunately my camera died, but I still got a photo from friends.
April 30, 2009
Money Poll
So, it's official, I am broke. And due to the swine flu (soon to be) pandemic, I have decided against traveling to Barcelona, and I won't be going to Italy due to a difficult teacher and an exam date. I don't have much traveling left, which is good for not having any money; however, not so good for people interested in seeing what I'm up to. I've got a bunch of blogs still left to post, but I'll wait til I close the poll before posting again.
This afternoon, I extracted 100 Euros, or excatly $132.54, excluding the fee. I'm hoping this will last me as long as humanly possible. I'd like to know how long you think it'll last...
Click here to respond to the poll.
I'm really trying to actually budget myself, but obviously 100 euros doesn't go too far. To be fair, I do have probably about 5 days worth of food, which is what I spent my last amount of money on today before visiting the ATM. Anyways, I'll update regularly with the amount of money I spent to keep you up-to-date. I hope you all find this as entertaining as I do, well hopefully more, as I'm the one who's broke. And don't feel pity because I find it terribly funny and I'll obviously be fine. This was actually a post that I've been most excited about.
This afternoon, I extracted 100 Euros, or excatly $132.54, excluding the fee. I'm hoping this will last me as long as humanly possible. I'd like to know how long you think it'll last...
Click here to respond to the poll.
I'm really trying to actually budget myself, but obviously 100 euros doesn't go too far. To be fair, I do have probably about 5 days worth of food, which is what I spent my last amount of money on today before visiting the ATM. Anyways, I'll update regularly with the amount of money I spent to keep you up-to-date. I hope you all find this as entertaining as I do, well hopefully more, as I'm the one who's broke. And don't feel pity because I find it terribly funny and I'll obviously be fine. This was actually a post that I've been most excited about.
April 29, 2009
Salzburg
Dates: April 6 – April 7
Bavarian Mountains:
Tunnels used by the Nazis:
After getting back in from Nice on Sunday night, we went to Salzburg by train on Monday afternoon. After arriving, we ventured across the river to the old city area, which was filled with shops and vendors. Since we got into Salzburg a little late in the evening we didn’t have too much time for other events.
The following morning, we got up early for a tour of the Bavarian salt mines (in nearby Germany). The countryside was really beautiful. We traveled by a small bus around the area and stopped in a few other small towns. One of our stops took us to the Crow’s Nest and Hitler’s residence for part of the time during World War II. Everything that was left of his house was destroyed at the end and after the war. However, the Crow’s Nest is still there, but is only accessible during specific summer months because of the steep climb.
The Salt mines were something quite spectacular, with underground lakes and tunnels stretching every which way miles underneath the ground. Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed to bring my big camera into the mines so I have no pictures of it, but I may be going back with friends in a few weeks. Another problem I had was registering for classes took place in the afternoon so I wasn’t able to go on the Sound of Music tour with Nora and Earl; however, this is something I’m hoping to do if I get the chance to go back.
We left on a train late on Tuesday night, only to be waking up the following morning to head back to the airport.
More Salzburg Pictures
Bavarian Mountains:
Tunnels used by the Nazis:
After getting back in from Nice on Sunday night, we went to Salzburg by train on Monday afternoon. After arriving, we ventured across the river to the old city area, which was filled with shops and vendors. Since we got into Salzburg a little late in the evening we didn’t have too much time for other events.
The following morning, we got up early for a tour of the Bavarian salt mines (in nearby Germany). The countryside was really beautiful. We traveled by a small bus around the area and stopped in a few other small towns. One of our stops took us to the Crow’s Nest and Hitler’s residence for part of the time during World War II. Everything that was left of his house was destroyed at the end and after the war. However, the Crow’s Nest is still there, but is only accessible during specific summer months because of the steep climb.
The Salt mines were something quite spectacular, with underground lakes and tunnels stretching every which way miles underneath the ground. Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed to bring my big camera into the mines so I have no pictures of it, but I may be going back with friends in a few weeks. Another problem I had was registering for classes took place in the afternoon so I wasn’t able to go on the Sound of Music tour with Nora and Earl; however, this is something I’m hoping to do if I get the chance to go back.
We left on a train late on Tuesday night, only to be waking up the following morning to head back to the airport.
More Salzburg Pictures
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